Last Updated March 2021 by Crystallace

Hey Girl!

Are you ready to upgrade to Auntie status and start bringing the Macaroni and Cheese to the family functions? Then this recipe is for you.

I got so tired of waiting for the holidays to roll around for Mac and Cheese so I started searching for a recipe that I could use when I had a taste for it.

After tons of trial and error, I came across this John Legend Macaroni and Cheese recipe and it has been a winner!

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and has serious whip appeal, then this John Legend Macaroni and Cheese dish is a must-try! Overflowing with bite-sized chunks of Monterey jack cheese and butter- with paprika added in all the right places, you’ll definitely get a few shouts of praise- even if it’s just for seconds or thirds.

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Being ‘Chef’ of the family may not be your grandmaster title, but you’ll become a heavy contender after presenting this dish at your next Thanksgiving feast or family dinner.

For years, macaroni and cheese has been one of the most, if not the most, fought over dishes to prepare, and it’s clear to see why. Its buttery, aromatic fragrance combined with multiple layers of cheese, cream, and pasta leaves you feeling loved and comforted after every bite- setting an uncomfortably high expectation on the preparer should this not happen.

So, whether you bravely volunteered or were unanimously recruited, we’ll make sure everyone is left satisfied after a few plates of this classic dish.    

The best part about this Monterey Jack Macaroni and Cheese is its lack of complexity. Some recipes call for layers baked in interval stages, while others have an array of spices and cheeses to give it that ‘wow’ appeal that may be hard to find in local grocery stores.

This recipe is just as delicious and requires fewer steps. And bonus, prep time is less than 20 minutes! There is no need for a necessary overnight process; shred your cheeses, blend your butter and seasonings, and pop into the oven.

Best prepared in a 13 x 9 glass or ceramic baking dish, this meal serves approximately eight and is easy to substitute as a non-dairy alternative (make sure the vegan cheese and milk are fresh, this is extremely important).

Our John Legend Monterey Jack Macaroni and Cheese is sure to be a hit, so I would prepare at least two to ensure that you get a scoop.

If you are preparing a Sunday or Holiday dinner spread, this Mac and Cheese recipe pairs great with Patti Labelle’s Kale and Smoked Turkey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy-to-find ingredients
• Less time than a traditional macaroni and cheese dish with an unmatched full-body flavor
• Easily customizable too for non-dairy eaters.

What You’ll Need

• Unsalted butter
• Freshly grounded pepper
• Coarse salt
• Garlic powder
• Seasoned salt
• Elbow Macaroni
• Skim milk
• Evaporated milk
• Large eggs
• Extra sharp cheddar cheese
• Monterey jack cheese
• Paprika  

Recipe Tips & Ticks

• If you’re looking for a creamy result, then we suggest using a soft Monterey Jack cheese (ask your local grocer before purchase). Soft jack cheese is made with whole milk and has been aged for at least one month.
• When cooking your elbow macaroni on the stove, be sure not to overcook as it will continue cooking once placed inside the stove.
• The bold flavor of the dish will come from the extra sharp cheddar cheese, so you can adjust the amount used to fit your particular preference. If you choose to add more than suggested, then make sure you increase your baking time as extra sharp cheddar cheese requires more heat than Monterey Jack to melt. 

Perfect Beginner’s Recipe: John Legend Macaroni And Cheese

Prep Time: 15 minutes 

Baking Time: 35 minutes

Additional Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 9-10 servings

Ingredients: 

4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Freshly grounded pepper

Coarse salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

3 Cups of Elbow Macaroni

1/3 cup of skim milk

2 12oz. cans of evaporated milk

2 large eggs

2 8oz. packages of extra sharp cheddar cheese

1 8oz. package of Monterey jack cheese

Paprika for sprinkling

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grab a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish and generously butter on all sides. Set aside. 
3. Next, bring a large pot of water to boil. Once boiling, add salt and macaroni- stirring continuously.
4. Continue cooking macaroni noodles until al dente, according to package directions.
5. Once noodles are done, drain out the water and add in butter. Toss the pasta noodles until they are all coated, and butter has melted. Set aside.
6. Next, in a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, skim milk, eggs, seasoned salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until completely blended. Set aside.
7. Grab another medium bowl and combine both the Monterey jack cheese and extra sharp cheddar cheese until blended. Set aside also.
8. Next, grab your buttered glass baking dish and add 1/3 macaroni mix into the bottom, spreading it out evenly until fully covered. 
9. Place an even layer of 1/3 cheese mix on top of the macaroni mix, making sure all noodles are covered.
10. Repeat until all macaroni and cheese is used.
11. Take your milk mixture and pour over both macaroni and cheese mix.
12. Sprinkle paprika over the top and place the dish inside the oven to bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top layer is lightly browned.
13. Once it has browned, remove it from the oven and allow it to sit on a cooling rack for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
14. Enjoy!

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